It's a rough life.

Hello, friends! Thank you for joining me on my journey today. I got out of my truck this morning and remembered how much I hate the chill and wind, especially when I first get up. So, I got back in my truck and found a little restaurant called Alice's Cafe (have the voice in your head put a spanish accent on it). Alice was in no hurry to greet or help any of the customers, but when she eventually got around to it, she knew them all by name and asked them all about something specific going on in their lives. She was Manana Incarnate, and fun to watch for a while. I was writing in my journal, and she asked me if I was studying. I get asked this a lot when I read or write in public, which only makes me wonder how people can watch so much t.v.

Because life is tough out here in west Texas, I headed back to camp. I e-mailed my resume while a ferocious cat named Spike, who apparently lives at El Cosmico, rubbed against my legs. In the grove of hammocks, I kicked back and enjoyed an early afternoon beer with a new book. I forgot to mention that I packed a bag and a half of books. Wouldn't want to go without. I also packed postcard stamps, so get me your address and I will send you a postcard.

I had a picnic on my way to the McDonald Observatory, hummous and spinach with a great view of the Davis Mountains. One of the telescopes there is on the highest road in Texas, and it was gorgeous. I took telescope tours, and am going back tonight for their twilight program and then star party. The party ends at 11, so I'm starting to push some caffeine, with a delicious pizza in a little joint that has a tree growing through the roof. Maybe I'll sit and watch for the Marfa aliens after the star party. I just hope I don't sleep too late and miss the Cinco de Mayo parade in Alpine manana por la manana, but I would bet that it won't start "on time."

I think I could stay here a while. Peace.